Mountain Rwenzori National Park, Hiking Tours Uganda

Mountain Rwenzori National Park is famously known because of the existence of Mountain Rwenzori i.e range of Mountains in the Eastern Equatorial Africa situated along the border between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Mountain Rwenzori’s highest peak Margherita elevates to 5,109 metres (16,762 ft) with snow capped and glaciated peaks. The Mountain is approximately 120 kilometres (75 mi) long and 65 kilometres (40 mi) wide with different massifs detached by deep gorges and these include;

• Mount Stanley (5,109 metres (16,762 ft)
• Mount Speke (4,890 metres (16,040 ft)
• Mount Baker (4,843 metres (15,889 ft)
• Mount Emin (4,798 metres (15,741 ft)
• Mount Gessi (4,715 metres (15,469 ft)
• Mount Luigi di Savoia (4,627 metres (15,180 ft)

Around the Mountain are various rivers that are fed by Mountain Streams from one of the sources of River Nile. Virunga National Park in the Eastern Part of DR Congo is also within the range.

Flora around Mountain Rwenzori

The vegetation around Mountain Rwenzori ranges from Tropical Rain Forest through Alpine Meadows to Snow at the Top of the Mountain. There is Giant groundsel and Giant lobelia as well as a 6 metres (20 ft) tall heather covered in moss in one of the Peaks.

The Mountain has five different vegetation zones which are distinct to equatorial alpine Africa and these include;

• Evergreen forest zone (up to 2,800 metres (9,200 ft)
• Bamboo zone (2,800 to 3,300 metres (9,200 to 10,800 ft)
• Heather zone (3,000 to 3,800 metres (9,800 to 12,500 ft)
• Alpine zone (3,500 to 4,500 metres (11,500 to 14,800 ft)
• Nival zone (4,400 to 5,000 metres (14,400 to 16,400 ft)

Safari Activities to do in mountain Rwenzori National Park

Mountain Climbing

Mountain Climbing in Mountain Rwenzori National Park take place along Mountain Rwenzori where hikers use two various trails i.e the Central Circuit trail and Kilembe trail. These offer scenic views of the glacial lakes, gorgeous viewpoints, dramatic mountain passes and lush valleys. These lead you to the highest point on the Mountain i.e Margherita Peak.

Hiking and Nature Walks

Hiking and Nature Walks at Mountain Rwenzori National Park follow the trails up to Lake Mahooma and Buraro Chimpanzee Forest through the Kichamba local communities to the Karangura Ridge through the Bwamba Pass to Bundibugyo. Travelers can also take on guided nature walks to the communities of Ruboni and Turaco View.

Cultural Encounters

Cultural Encounters at Mountain Rwenzori National Park are a prominent Safari activity carried out and these lead through the Bakonzo local Village homesteads located in the slopes of Mountain Rwenzori. These welcome and carry out Music, Dance and Drama as they present their daily activities which range from rearing animals, growing crops, to preparing fresh meals.

Bird Watching

Bird Watching is an exceptional safari activity carried out in Mountain Rwenzori National park due to the various species of birds that fly around their natural forest vegetation habitat. These include; Bee-eaters, robins, sunbirds, barbets, Rwenzori Turaco, Long-eared Owl, Bearded Vultures, Swifts and Black Eagles.